Looking into the future, the advancements in technology in the transportation and retail industry are exciting to F.W. (Will) Englefield V, who was named president of Englefield Energy in September. Heath, Ohio-based Englefield Inc. owns Englefield Energy.
- Englefield Oil is No. 59 on CSP’s 2025 Top 202 ranking of largest U.S. convenience-store chains.
“Safety, speed and predictive modeling are impacting our business in a profound way by reducing downtime, product out of stocks and speed to market,” said Englefield, whose cousin Ashley Englefield DeWitt was named president of Englefield Retail at the same time. Both are the third generation of Englefields to lead divisions of the company.
However, as 2026 begins, Englefield said navigating regulations and keeping up with the constant change at the city, state and national level continues to be a challenge in the c-store industry.
“As a third-generation family member, I want to grow the business and continue to support the families and communities that support us,” he said. “It’s how my grandfather started the business nearly 65 years ago and will continue our growth in the future.”
He added that growth is a company goal in all aspects of our business. “From growing our store count of Duchess Convenience Stores to expanding our fuel and lubricants business, we strive to continue to be a premier provider of automotive, commercial and industrial fuel and lubricant products,” Englefield said.
- Englefield Oil is No. 59 on CSP’s 2025 Top 202 ranking of largest U.S. convenience-store chains.
In 2026, the company’s growth strategy will be to evaluate all opportunities that come its way, from acquisitions to organic growth in new markets, he said.
“We know our strengths and look to use those as our guiding principle when evaluating any growth,” Englefield said. “It’s important to not just grow for the sake of growth, but capitalize on opportunities where we know our brand, our team members and customers will thrive.”
Regarding fuel, Englefield thinks EV in the Midwest is still behind other parts of the country. “I don’t see that being an immediate threat,” he added. “However, we need to work to make our c-stores stand on their own and not count on the profits from fuel.”
Englefield said there are many things about the company to be proud of, “but the teams and individuals we have in our company currently make it exciting and enjoyable. It gives us confidence to grow and expand knowing that we have leaders who have passion and the skill set. It is a great atmosphere at Englefield Inc.”
He added, “Internal advancement within our company and placing the right person in the right role is imperative for retaining talent.”
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